Popular American Idol Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert returned to the show for last night’s Top 13 elimination round, where he performed a stripped down version of his For Your Entertainment jam “Aftermath.” And what we got in the aftermath of the episode was one less contestant, news that Casey Abrams was once again hospitalized and judge Jennifer Lopez having to watch her ex Diddy perform about 15 feet in front of her.
In addition to informing us that 30 million people voted after Wednesday night’s performances, Ryan Seacrest noted that Casey was missing from the group because he was “sick in the hospital.” Get well soon, Casey—this competition needs you!

There was an awful (naturally) group number where the 12 present contestants did a Michael Jackson medley, and then a slightly better Ford video where all 13 covered Starting Line’s “The World.”

Thankfully, Ryan then hopped to the good stuff: the first singer to be placed in the Bottom Three! Jacob Lusk, Stefano Langone and Karen Rodriguez are hauled out on stage, and, not suprisingly, it’s Karen who has to march to chairs and await the other two contestants who received the lowest number of votes.

After Rodriguez’s dismal performance of Selena‘s “I Could Fall In Love With You” the other night—which she blamed on “technical difficulties” (ha!)—we predicted she’d be the one to go. We were almost right.

Adam Lambert and his band then stepped out to whip up an impressive acoustic rendition of “Aftermath,” which is currently available on his website in remix form (part of the proceeds from which will go toward benefiting the Trevor Project).

Next Seacrest wrangled an extremely teary-eyed Lauren Alaina, Ashton Jones and Haley Reinhart front and center on the stage. Lauren, who said she watched her previous night’s performance and thought it “sucked,” could have saved the tears, though, because she’s safe. Ashton and Haley are sent to join Karen in the Bottom Three.

Diddy-Dirty Money rolled on stage to perform their hit “Coming Home.” And while we were denied any flare-ups of possible longstanding cattiness between Puff and J.Lo, we were given another rare glimpse of the gothed-out Skylar Grey, who sings the chorus on the song and co-wrote it. She accompanied the group live on piano.

Finally, we found out who’s going to be singing “I’m coming home” themselves today: Ashton Jones. She was given one more chance to sing Diana Ross‘ “When You Tell Me That You Love Me” in a bid to sway the judges toward using their one “save” of the season on her.

Alas, Lopez was left to tell her, “Not this time, baby. I’m sorry.”

And then there were 12. Well, maybe only 11, with the case of Casey. Though we truly wish him a speedy recovery. If anyone is deserving of making it far in this competition, it’s that guy.

What did you think of Adam and Diddy’s performances? And was America right in sending Ashton home?